UK responds to Putin’s threats
Following threats by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to respond “in kind” to actions against Russian vessels, the UK has stressed that the detention of Russia’s “shadow fleet” tankers is fully in accordance with international law. “The UK is disrupting and deterring shadow fleet vessels and their harmful maritime activity which…
German government approves major reform of intelligence services
The German cabinet, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on Wednesday approved a package of bills that significantly expands the powers of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV). The reform, prepared by the Interior Ministry under Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), is intended…
Spanish and Dutch police dismantle cocaine-smuggling and money-laundering network
Spain’s National Police has dismantled a criminal organisation that smuggled large shipments of cocaine into Europe and laundered the proceeds. Officers conducted the investigation jointly with Dutch law enforcement authorities. The network based itself in Spain’s Málaga province and maintained links with various European countries as well as South America….
Slovak opposition demands Interior Minister’s resignation over Russian road cameras scandal
Slovakia’s opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party has called on Prime Minister Robert Fico to immediately dismiss Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok following a scandal involving road cameras containing Russian components. The party described the installation of the devices on Slovak roads as a “security scandal” and further evidence that…
Swiss government approves VAT increase to fund the Army
The Swiss Federal Council on Wednesday approved a decree on a temporary increase in the value-added tax (VAT) by 0.5 percentage points. This was announced by the Federal Council’s press service. The increase will apply to the standard VAT rate and remain in force for 12 years, starting in 2028….